Moore buoyed by defensive solidity

Jul 30 2007 by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Daily Post

Ronnie Moore (200)

MANAGER Ronnie Moore took encouragement as Tranmere came through the first searching pre-season test of their defensive resilience against Bolton Wanderers.

Moore’s disappointment at losing by the only goal of the game was tempered by seeing the Premier League visitors restricted to a meagre ration of chances at Prenton Park.

“The most pleasing thing is the way we are defending,” Moore said.

“I thought we did just about everything right at the back. We made one mistake and Bolton scored from it – that’s what will happen when you play Premiership sides.

“Our goalkeeper, Danny Coyne, hardly had a save to make and that is a good thing because we have to build from the back.

“Bolton are a big strong side and a bit direct at times. It is the sort of thing we will see in our own division and I thought the back four were very seldom stretched.”

Moore added: “I was pleased with our performance. The play had a good tempo, particularly in the first half. I don’t think we deserved to lose it.”

Moore made a priority at a strengthening Tranmere’s defensive resources this summer, recruiting Coyne and centre backs Ben Chorley and Antony Kay. Rovers’ squad of 22 professionals includes six defenders and four centre backs.

Moore insists he has not decided on the line-up sends into the opening league game against Leeds United in 12 days’ time.

The centre-back berths are by no means settled. Kay play the first 66 minutes against Bolton, partnering Ian Goodison before giving way to Chorley.

Moore suggested Chorley may be given a start when Tranmere play host to Championship team Stoke City on Friday.

In the meantime the former MK Dons defender, who missed games and training earlier this month because of a knock, will play catchup in the fitness stakes when Tranmere visit Conference club Altrincham tonight (kick-off at 7.30pm).

Moore explained: “The pros who did not play against Bolton will get a run at Altrincham. Then it will give me a nice problem for Friday’s game.”

The encounter with Stoke could become a dress rehearsal for the big kick-off. Rovers also have a fixture at Vauxhall Motors on Saturday August 4 – but that is more likely to have a bearing on the substitutes bench for the Leeds game rather than the first XI.

Midfielder John Mullin and striker Gareth Taylor will also be looking for some action tonight after playing 25 minutes against Bolton.